Page 14 - LRCC April 2022 Focus

FOCUS ON TALENT FOCUS MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

CTE Work-Based Learning Experience Leads Student to

Success After High School

hen Avery Cervantes-
Lalone started the
WBioScience Careers
program at the Wilson Talent Center
as a junior in high school, he wasn’t
sure where it might lead him. He
knew he had a passion for science
and appreciated that he could start
earning credit for something that
had only been a hobby for him until
that time.

Over the past few years, Cervantes-
Lalone has completed an internship
at the East Lansing/Michigan State
University Water Treatment Plant,
completed the two-year BioScience
Careers program, graduated from
Williamston High School, landed a job at the Delhi
Township Water Treatment Plant and is working on a
two-year water certificate from Bay de Noc Community
College. He is excited about his future and appreciates
the opportunities he has been awarded.

February was Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Month and stories like Avery’s show the importance
®
of the work-based learning opportunities provided to
students through CTE programs. Work-based learning
can come in the form of job shadows, internships,
apprenticeships and part-time paid or unpaid
employment. These opportunities help students
determine if the career path they are exploring is plant process adjustments with the operators,” Silsby
something they can see themselves doing in the future. also noted.

“It is so imperative that we have work-based learning The BioScience Careers program studies laboratory
partners such as Michigan State University and the City safety, chemical technology, microbiology, DNA
of Mason who allow our students the opportunity to technology, forensics, biofuels and water technology
put what they are learning in the classroom into action during the first year. Students who choose to stay for a
in a work environment,” notes Toby West, BioScience second year will complete work-based learning in the
Careers instructor. area of water technology, can complete two industry
certifications, participate in a science fair project and
Tom Silsby, Skilled Trades Supervisor of Water serve as a mentor to first-year students. The program
Treatment Plant, served as Avery’s supervisor during has college partnerships for credit with Bay College,
his work-based learning experience at Michigan State Davenport University, Jackson College and Lansing
University. Avery spent eight weeks working with the Community College. The Wilson Talent Center, operated
water treatment department. Silsby included Avery in by Ingham Intermediate School District, offers career and
everything a new employee would experience. technical education programs for high school juniors
and seniors in Dansville, East Lansing, Haslett, Holt, Leslie,
“Participating with Wilson Talent Center’s work-based Mason, Okemos, Stockbridge, Waverly, Webberville, and
learning program has been a great experience for me Williamston. Applications are also accepted from Lansing
over the years,” Silsby noted. “Avery took on the role School District, Fowlerville Community Schools and Eaton,
with enthusiasm and by the end of the eight weeks, and Clinton County schools. For more information, visit
had progressed to the point of being able to discuss www.inghamisd.org/wtc. l

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